Zimmerman Talks Metro — County board member Chris Zimmerman, who recently announced that he was stepping down from the WMATA Board of Directors, has given what may be his first comprehensive interview since his surprise announcement last week. Zimmerman echoed his stance that Metro needs more funding to survive, and is at the mercy of “external” forces. “These are not things that are going to be fixed by a magical general manager,” Zimmerman said. “They’re not going to be fixed by any configuration of the board of directors.” More from We Love DC.
APS Students Give Back — A new “Snapshots” video from the county’s educational TV channel takes a look at how Arlington Public School students are giving back for the holidays.
Henry Elementary Student Wins WaPo Contest – Kate Lanman, a second grader at Arlington’s Patrick Henry Elementary school, has won the Washington Post’s annual holiday wrapping papers contest. Lanman, 7, will be featured on the cover of the Post’s weekend section tomorrow. More from the Washington Post.
Jail Gets Energy Star Label — The Arlington County Justice Center — which includes the jail and the courthouse — has become the first county building to be awarded an Energy Star designation. The Justice Center completed an energy efficiency overhaul in 2009. More from Arlington County.
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Zimmerman’s interview should be must reading. He hits the nail on the head.
WOW! The press release about the justice center says the county is saving $450,000 a year! Is that even possible? That’s amazing.
Nice savings, but that’s at a cost of 5.3 upfront. With a their projected savings of 6.3 over 14 years the break-even point is a long ways off.
Mr. Zimmerman, external forces didn’t kill 17 Metro riders, employees and contractors along with innocent pedestrians. Responsible was the bankrupt safety culture documented by NTSB and the Tri-State Commission, a culture that you, Mr. Zimmerman, as the longest serving member of the Metro Board and perennial member of its safety committee, were more responsible for than anyone other.
To the bitter end of your tenure you complain, Mr. Zimmerman, about NTSB requirements (i.e., safety) pushing away funding from pet projects. You will never learn. Safety first means safety first, no ifs, ands, buts or qualification of any kind. Period.